General Information About Alopecia Areata
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system becomes confused and attacks its own hair follicles, causing the hairs to enter a resting phase and fall out in patches.
Because of its common name (in Turkish, 'Saçkıran', which sounds like ringworm), it is often confused with a fungal infection, but it is definitely NOT a fungus and IS NOT a contagious disease. It does not spread from person to person through contact, combs, or towels.
It presents as suddenly appearing, coin-sized, well-defined, round or oval patches of smooth baldness on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows, with absolutely no sores or redness on them.
In individuals with a genetic predisposition, the trigger that initiates the disease is usually severe psychological stress, a trauma, exam anxiety, or deep sorrow. Sometimes, thyroid diseases (like Hashimoto's) may also accompany it.
The dermatologist injects Cortisone (steroids) directly into the skin (into the hair follicles) in the bald area using very fine needles. This medication locally stops the immune attack and allows the hair to quickly regrow.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
